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Jan 31, 2006

HowStuffWorks NXT video

Yet another NXT Video... this one mainly shows the REX moving. A demonstration is given showing how it reacts to sound and 'dances' faster as the volume increases. The speaker also stated the 'vision' sensor is based on proximity, so I'm not sure how color sensitivity is handled (if at all) by this sensor.

and use it to create a complete list of "chiclet" buttons for all the feed readers?

And I agree with the other commenter: the list of videos you have found is great. Would you mind if I put a page on my web site that lists them in directory style format, crediting you and your blog as the source?

BTW, do you own a Lego Serial Tower and any of the WowWee robots? (Robosapien, etc.)

I have not listed any of my web site URL's because I didn't want you to think this comment is self-promotional in nature.

I'm the author of Robosapien Dance Machine, a program for owners of the Robosapien robot. It's a free open source program that lets Robosapien owners create complex scripts for their robot, and control their robot using just their voice.

The reason I asked if you had any WowWee robots is because the next version of the program, version 3, will have support for the Lego Mindstorm Serial tower as an IR transmitter. The next version of the software will also support the Robosapien V2, Robopet, and Roboraptor robots along with the original Robosapien.

You said: The speaker also stated the 'vision' sensor is based on proximity, so I'm not sure how color sensitivity is handled (if at all) by this sensor.

The "vision" is really the ultrasound sensor. An ultrasound measures the flight time of (ultra)sound bouncing off objects ahead. Its result is a measurement of the distance to any object ahead. Usually, the sensors that come with the toys have a range between a number of centimers and a few meters. Anything beyond that is "empty space". Ultrasound is quite robust at picking up object, but is not very sensitive to the angle where the object is.

Obviously, sound knows no color. However, some surfaces reflect (ultra)sound better than other surfaces.

By the way, the light sensor (located in the left hand of the Rex) does distinguish color, but has a very limited range. For instance, you can not use it to see a red ball to play robot soccer.

I hope to write a lot more about the actual performance of the sensors if I get my hands on a Mindstorms NXT set.

Yeah, I wasn't clear on what I 'assumed' was a mistaken assumption by some of the video discussions. The ultrasonic sensor CANNOT detect color, but I heard in one of the videos (not sure which one) someone talking about the 'eyes' of the robot and the person mentioned 'color' - an obvious error. Thanks for catching me on that.

One of the interviews with Soren Lund had him quoted as saying Feb 5 was the day the team members would be announced.

I think he may have been misquoted, because the rules say Feb 5 is the deadline... other articles I've read have stated mid-to-late Feb for a decision.

I've got my fingers crossed. If either or both of you get selected, definitely let me know! I'll do the same. After that, I imagine the non-disclosure agreements may prevent contributing to a public blog.

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